Expanding on the ride from yesterday, I’ve also been kicking tires with the Northern California BMW Club. They put on pretty epic weekends like Range Of Light every Labor Day weekend. It’s a ride that you have no idea where you’re going. The club gives you a ride packet at the start of every day that tells you where you’re going. My first (and only) Range of Light was back in 2012, and it was an exceptional experience. Last year, I participated in their 49er rally just outside of Yosemite National Park.

My buddy J also introduced me to the Central California BMW Club. I initially asked him, “Why would I be interested in a motorcycling club headquartered in Fresno, three hours away?” J laughed and mentioned that the Central California BMW Club is simply an overlay on top of the Northern California BMW Club, composed of riders who don’t like to go camping every ride. The Northern California group is vast and has a strong tradition of motorcycling and camping. The Central California group enjoys the motorcycles but wants a bit of a softer experience.

The Central California Club listed a ride that started less than a mile from my garage. That was a sign to join them. I arrived right at 10 AM, and we departed at most 30 seconds later.

This was the classic lunch run and club meeting. We were to meet several riders from a few different destinations at Buster’s Original Southern BBQ in Calistoga. Much Like Redwood Rd., Calistoga was a place I hadn’t been to in many years. Barbecue is also in the top 10 of cuisines.

I had not ridden with this group before, and the pace was quicker than I usually rode. It wasn’t necessarily excessive, but I could feel the gentle pressure on my skills, drawing me out as a rider. Countersteering, lane positioning, and smooth execution were all at the top of my mind as I followed the crew through the wine country. I was just ahead of the sweep – the last rider in the group. When we got to lunch, he remarked that I rode well as a first-time rider with the group.

After lunch, everyone began to scatter. Some wanted to take Highway 29 to get back to the central Bay Area quickly. Others headed north towards Sacramento. As for me, I chose to take Highway 128 east to explore Lake Berryessa, the Glory Hole, and southern Napa County.

When Lake Berryessa is full, the Glory Hole is a sight to see. Fashioned after the Morning Glory flower, it is a testament to the power of water. Water flows into the spillway, jetting out hundreds of feet below. I’m hoping we get a touch more rain to see this event before the rains end for the season.

Part of Highway 128 had severe fire damage a few years back. With time and rain, the vegetation is beginning to return to these hills. The mountains now have a rocky–green coating as the grass sprouts all over the hillsides. It’s a stark contrast to the charred landscape a few years ago.

narr

As all good rides come to an end, the I-80 freeway crosses my path. Forty miles of super slab remain between here and home, and the gas tank flashes on empty. I stopped to refuel and laughed as I was one-thousandth short of a 5-gallon fill-up. The $28? I don’t care, LOL.

As for the Central California BMW Club? They are good people. I’m sure I will see them again.

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